Animal Groups Come to the Rescue of Stranded Pets

The rescue of thousands of animals flooded out by Hurricane Floyd is now a high-profile project.

The American Humane Association is one of several groups working to save the animals.

The AHA has set up a command post in Kinston and has rescued more than 200 animals so far.

"It's a huge catastrophe for animals. It is probably our longest disaster response since this truck hit the road in May 1998. There's much more work to be done, flood waters are still rising," says Jeanette Edelstein, AHA project manager.

Some rescued pets cannot be reunited with their owners because they are staying at shelters where pets are not allowed.

But while most of the animals that have been saved will once again be with their owners, not all the animals will see a happy ending.

"It is always difficult. We can rescue a lot of animals, and that's great, we all feel great about what we're doing, it's a great cause. At the same time we see a lot of animals that can't be rescued," she says.

Wednesday morning, three trucks loaded with pet supplies left Greensboro for Pitt County. The items will be used to help care for the animals rescued from flood waters.

The Emergency Animal Rescue Service,EARS, has set up shop in the Greenville area. The group has rescued more than 100 animals and is caring for animals at a temporary shelter behind Pitt County Hospital.

The group is in need of supplies at the emergency shelter. Donations of water and pet items can be brought to the shelter from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

There are more ways you can come to the rescue. If you can take a stray pet into your home, call the Animal Rescue and Foster Foundation at (336) 574-9600.

TheSPCA of Wake Countyis helping in the rescue of animals and is asking for your help.

The SPCA needs donations, including leashes, collars, cat litter and towels.

You can drop off items at the SPCA Administrative office in Garner, Oberlin Animal Hospital in Raleigh and Mayfair Animal Hospital in Cary.

Monetary donations are also being accepted.